Austin Hospital Performs First In Utero Spinal Surgery

The procedure offers families new options for treating spina bifida while the baby is still in the womb.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Children’s Health

A close-up view of a specialized surgical instrument on a clean medical tray, representing advanced fetal surgical care. — Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin recently completed its first in utero surgery to repair myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Dell Children's Medical Center recently completed the first in utero surgery in Austin to repair myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida. This procedure allows doctors to address the condition while the fetus is still in the womb.

Why it matters

Early prenatal surgical intervention can help preserve a child's motor function and reduce common, serious complications like Chiari II malformation. For families in Central Texas, this marks a new capability in specialized prenatal care.

This represents the first in utero neural tube defect surgery performed in the region, establishing a new surgical capability for the center. The success of such interventions is often measured against the baseline of postnatal repairs, though long-term health outcomes remain under observation.

The players

Dell Children's Medical Center

A medical facility serving Central Texas that provides specialized pediatric and maternal care.

Alireza Shamshirsaz

A surgeon who led the first in utero neural tube defect procedure at the facility.

Comprehensive Fetal Care Center

A clinical department focused on managing complex fetal health conditions during pregnancy.

The details

The procedure addresses myelomeningocele, a condition occurring when the spinal canal fails to close properly during early fetal development. Surgeons operate on the fetus while it is still in the uterus, using a care plan guided by findings from second-trimester ultrasounds and fetal MRI. This proactive approach is intended to mitigate neurological damage before birth.

Second trimester ultrasound and fetal MRI diagnosis.
October 15, 2026, surgery completion.

Health Landscape

The introduction of in utero spina bifida repair follows established clinical precedents like the MOMS trial protocols for managing neural tube defects. This development brings high-acuity fetal surgical standards to the Central Texas region.

Families diagnosed with fetal neural tube defects should discuss the timing and eligibility for prenatal surgical options with their obstetrician. Early imaging via ultrasound and MRI in the second trimester is critical for identifying potential candidates for this care.

The takeaway

Prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele represents a significant advancement in preventing complications associated with spina bifida. If you have concerns about fetal development, work with your primary obstetrician to understand the specific diagnostic tools and specialists available in your area.